CN114206144A - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

A smoking substitute device includes: a heater; a battery for powering the heater; an output mechanism; and a controller configured to be deactivated when the smoking substitute device is i) deactivated at the heater Standby mode of operation when the heater is activated or ii) Standard mode of operation when the heater is activated, after receiving user input, the amount of energy stored in the battery is measured and indicated to the user via the output mechanism The amount of stored energy.

Description

Smoking substitute system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a smoking-substitute system, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a smoking-substitute system comprising a smoking-substitute device and a method of operating the device.

Background

Smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose the smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that the heat caused by the incineration and/or combustion of tobacco, as well as the components of the incinerated tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself, produces a large amount of potentially harmful substances.

Conventional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically include a cylindrical tobacco rod of tobacco filaments wrapped by a wrapper, and often a cylindrical filter axially aligned in abutting relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod. Filters typically comprise a filter material surrounded by a plug wrap (plug wrap). The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a band of tipping paper wrapped around the entire length of the filter and adjacent portions of the wrapped tobacco rod. Conventional cigarettes of this type are used by lighting the end opposite the filter and burning the tobacco rod. Smokers receive mainstream smoke into their mouths by drawing on the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

The combustion of organic materials such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful byproducts. To avoid smoking tobacco, various smoking substitute systems (or "alternative smoking systems") have been proposed.

Such smoking replacement systems may form part of nicotine replacement therapy for persons who wish to stop smoking and overcome dependence on nicotine.

Smoking-substitute systems include electronic systems that allow a user to simulate the behavior of smoking by generating an aerosol (also referred to as "vapor") that is drawn into (inhaled into) the lungs through the mouth, and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically carries nicotine and/or flavourings with no or less of the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for smoking habits while providing a user with an experience and satisfaction similar to that experienced with traditional smoking and combustible tobacco products. Some smoking-substitute systems use a smoking-substitute article (also referred to as a "consumable") that is designed to resemble a conventional cigarette and is in the form of a cylinder with a mouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of smoking-substitute systems has grown rapidly over the past few years. Although initially marketed as an adjunct to habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking, consumers increasingly view smoking replacement systems as an adjunct to a desired lifestyle.

There are many different kinds of smoking substitute systems, each using a different smoking substitute method.

One method for a smoking substitute system is the so-called heated tobacco ("HT") method, in which tobacco (rather than "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release steam. HT is also known as "heating not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco. The vapour may contain nicotine and/or flavourings. In the HT process, the aim is that the tobacco is heated but not combusted, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may comprise a tobacco material. The device and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be transferred to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein the flow of air through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as a vapour. The vapor may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (which may, for example, include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin) and other volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released steam may be entrained in an air stream drawn through the tobacco.

As the vapor passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the vaporization location to an outlet (e.g., a mouthpiece) of the consumable, the vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol will typically contain volatile compounds.

In HT smoking replacement systems, heating rather than burning tobacco material is believed to result in very small or lesser amounts of more harmful compounds that are typically produced during smoking. Thus, the HT process may reduce odor and/or health risks that may result from incineration, combustion, and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.

Commonly available HT smoking alternatives may include a battery that stores sufficient energy for a single use, e.g., the energy stored on the battery may only be sufficient to heat a single consumable and may require recharging between each use. In some devices, the battery may have a large capacity, so that the energy stored thereon may be used multiple times enough before recharging is required. These devices may indicate to the user the amount of energy remaining in the battery when the heating element is not operating, for example, during periods when the heating element is not drawing current from the battery. This can be inconvenient for the user.

There may be a need for an improved smoking alternative system, in particular a design of an HT smoking alternative system, to enhance the user experience and improve the functionality of the HT smoking alternative system.

The present disclosure was devised in view of the above considerations.

Disclosure of Invention

In its most general aspect, the present invention relates to a smoking-substitute device having a controller configured to indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in a battery, regardless of whether a heater is active or inactive. This may advantageously allow the user to know the amount of energy remaining in the battery so that the user may be able to schedule the next charging process.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking-substitute device comprising: a heater, a battery for powering the heater, an output device, and a controller configured to measure an amount of energy stored in the battery and indicate the amount of stored energy to a user via the output mechanism upon receiving user input when the smoking-substitute device is operating in i) a standby mode of operation when the heater is deactivated or ii) a standard mode of operation when the heater is activated.

The amount of energy stored in the battery may also be referred to as the charge or remaining charge of the battery. When the heater is powered, the stored energy may be depleted with each use of the device. The output mechanism may provide one or more visual, audio, tactile outputs to automatically (e.g., while the device is operating or upon detecting user-device interaction) or periodically (e.g., upon receiving user input) indicate to the user the amount of energy stored in the battery.

More specifically, the controller may remain active when the device is in a standby mode of operation, for example in which the controller may receive a user input wherein the heater or heating element is deactivated. In a standard mode of operation, the heater may be activated to heat an aerosol-forming substrate for forming an aerosol.

By providing a device comprising a controller that may be configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery during the standby mode and/or the standard mode, the status of the battery may be better informed to the user, e.g. the user may be provided with information such as an estimate on the remaining available time or the number of consumables that may be consumed before the battery runs out of charge. In addition, a more versatile device can be provided that intelligently monitors the battery energy status of the device, regardless of whether the device's heater is active or inactive. For example, the controller may be configured to measure and indicate the energy status of the battery while the battery is still powering the heater, i.e. during the standard operating mode. In other examples, the controller may be configured to measure and indicate the energy status of the battery when the battery is not providing power to the heater, i.e. during standby mode. A device is provided which can keep the user aware of the energy state of the battery regardless of whether the heater is operated or not.

Optional features will now be set forth. These may be used alone or in any combination with any of the aspects.

Optionally, the controller is configured to alert the user via the output mechanism when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined threshold represents a condition where the energy stored on the battery is insufficient and corresponds to a condition where the battery requires immediate charging. Alternatively, the predetermined threshold may comprise a plurality of predetermined thresholds each representing a different amount of stored energy, for example 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the total amount of energy storable in the battery. Optionally, the output mechanism is configured to alert the user when the stored energy is measured to be less than each of a plurality of predetermined thresholds for different outputs. Advantageously, the user may be proactively alerted to the urgency of charging the battery, thereby reducing the risk of insufficient stored energy.

Optionally, the controller is configured to terminate power to the heater when the stored energy is measured to be below a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller may not start heating the consumable, or it may terminate heating during heating of the consumable. Either way, the controller may remain operative to receive user input. Advantageously, this prevents the battery from completely depleting stored energy.

Optionally, the output means comprises one or more of: i) one or more light emitters for providing a visual indication, ii) an audio indicator for providing an audio indication, and iii) a tactile output for providing a tactile indication to a user. Optionally, the user may select one or more of a visual indication, an audio indication, and a tactile indication to output an indication of the energy stored in the battery. Advantageously, this allows the output to be provided in a desired form according to user preferences.

Optionally, the output device comprises a plurality of light emitters configured to indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery with one or more illumination patterns. For example, the controller may be configured to illuminate multiple light emitters or LEDs in different modes, each mode indicating a different energy level of the battery. In another example, the controller may be configured to flash one or more of the plurality of LEDs when the stored energy level of the battery is indicated to be less than the predetermined threshold. This helps the user to know explicitly when the device is operating at low power and when it is operating at sufficient power so that a decision to charge the device can be made in a timely manner.

Optionally, the plurality of light emitters comprises four light emitters for providing an illumination pattern, wherein in the illumination pattern the four light emitters are configured to indicate the amount of stored energy at 25% intervals. For example, the controller may cause one or more of the plurality of lights or LEDs to light up or flash when indicating the stored energy level of the battery. In other words, the controller may light or blink a single LED when the stored energy is measured to be 1% to 25% of the total capacity of the battery, two LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 26% to 50% of the total capacity of the battery, three LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 51% to 75% of the total capacity of the battery, and all four LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 76% to 100% of the total capacity of the battery. Advantageously, this allows the user to clearly understand the approximate level of stored energy.

The one or more light emitters may be one or more of incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and light emitting diodes. Optionally, the one or more light emitters comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Advantageously, the use of LEDs reduces the space and energy required for operation, as well as extending the life of the device.

Optionally, the device comprises a heated non-combustion (HNB) device. Advantageously, such an arrangement may be particularly suitable for HNB devices due to their high energy consumption.

The device may comprise an elongate body. The end of the elongate body may be configured to engage with an aerosol-forming article. For example, the body may be configured to engage with a Heated Tobacco (HT) consumable (or a heated non-burning (HNB) consumable) or an e-cigarette consumable. The terms "heated tobacco" and "heated not to burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe consumables of the type that are heated rather than burned (or are used interchangeably to describe devices used with such consumables). The device may comprise a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (i.e. to engage with the consumable). The aerosol-forming article may be of a type that includes an aerosol precursor (e.g. carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).

The device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-forming article. The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod extending from the body of the device. The heating element may extend from an end of the body configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article. In an embodiment, the heater of the device is configured to be disabled in response to detecting that the measured stored energy is less than a predetermined threshold.

The heater (and thus the heating element) may be securely mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis, and may for example have a substantially circular transverse profile (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating element) (i.e. the heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a rectangular transverse profile (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tubular heater"). The heating element may take other forms (e.g., the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and/or size (e.g., diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be substantially uniform over the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The heating element may be 15mm to 25mm long, for example 18mm to 20mm long, for example about 19mm long. The heating element may have a diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm, for example a diameter of 2mm to 2.3mm, for example a diameter of about 2.15 mm.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may comprise Al₂O₃A core (e.g., a ceramic core). The diameter of the core of the heating element may be 1.8mm to 2.1mm, for example 1.9mm to 2 mm. The heating element may comprise Al₂O₃E.g., an outer ceramic layer. The thickness of the outer layer may be 160 μm to 220 μmFor example 170 μm to 190 μm, for example about 180 μm. The heating element may comprise a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer of the heating element and the core. The heating track may comprise tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of about 20 μm.

The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend from the interior base of the cavity towards the opening of the cavity (e.g. along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Thus, the heating element may extend within only a portion of the length of the cavity. In other words, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured to be inserted in an aerosol-forming article (e.g. an HT consumable) when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In this regard, the distal end of the heating element (i.e. away from the base of the heating element mounted to the device) may comprise a taper, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element in the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may fully penetrate the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In other words, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element may be contained in the aerosol-forming article.

The length of the heating element may be less than or substantially equal to the axial length of an aerosol-forming substrate forming part of an aerosol-forming article (e.g. an HT consumable). Thus, when such an aerosol-forming article is engaged with a device, the heating element may only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, and not other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article over substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, when penetrated by the heating element, heat may be transferred from the heating element (e.g. the peripheral surface of the heating element) to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate. In other words, heat may be transferred radially outwards (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or, for example, radially inwards (in the case of a tubular heater).

Where the heater is a tubular heater, the heating element of the tubular heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround (i.e. so as to heat) that portion of the aerosol-forming article. In particular, the heating element may surround the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be located adjacent to the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device. When the heating element is activated, heat may be transferred radially inwards from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise a (e.g. circumferential) wall (or walls), and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the wall. In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The wall (or walls) of the cavity may be formed from a thermally conductive material (e.g. a metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element through the chamber wall (or walls) to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article contained in the chamber.

In some embodiments, the heater may form part of an aerosol-forming article for use with the device. In this case, the device may not include a heater. Rather, the aerosol-forming article may comprise a heater. Such arrangements may, for example, be suitable for electronic cigarette systems in which the aerosol-forming article comprises a can containing an aerosol precursor (e.g., in liquid form). In such embodiments, the device may comprise a mechanism for connecting the device to a heater of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. For example, the device may comprise one or more device connectors for connecting (e.g. electrically) the device to a corresponding heater connector of the aerosol-forming article. The connector (i.e. the connector of both the device and the aerosol-forming article) may be in the form of an electrically conductive element (e.g. a plate) which contacts when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise a cap disposed at an end of the body, the cap being configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article. Where the device comprises a heater having a heating element, the cap may at least partially enclose the heating element. The cap is movable between an open position in which access to the heating element is provided and a closed position in which the cap at least partially encloses the heating element. The cap may be slidably engaged with the body of the device and may slide between an open position and a closed position.

The cap may define at least a portion of a lumen of the device. In other words, the cavity may be defined entirely by the cap, or each of the cap and the body may define a portion of the cavity. Where the cap fully defines the cavity, the cap may include an aperture for receiving the heating element in the cavity (when the cap is in the closed position). The cap may include an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. In other words, the aerosol-forming article may be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (so as to engage with the device).

The cap may be configured such that when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g. received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In other words, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not housed in the cavity) may protrude from (i.e. extend beyond) the opening. This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article which may be received in the mouth of a user for the purpose of inhaling an aerosol formed by the device.

The device may include a power source or may be connected to a power source (e.g., a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connected to the heater. At this point, changing (e.g., switching) the electrical connection of the power source to the heater can affect the state of the heater. For example, switching the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may switch the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be an electrical storage device. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery).

The device may include an input connection (e.g., a USB port, a micro-USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured for connection to an external power source, e.g. a power outlet. In some cases, the input connection may be used as a replacement for an internal power source (e.g., a battery or rechargeable battery). In other words, the input connection may be electrically connected to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Thus, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of a power supply of the device.

Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.

The apparatus may include a User Interface (UI). In some embodiments, the UI may include an input mechanism that receives operational commands from a user. The input mechanism of the UI may allow a user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. For example, the UI may allow the user to know the amount of energy stored in the battery when the heater is in an active state during a standby mode, i.e., when the heater is in an inactive state and during a standard operating mode. In some embodiments, the input mechanism may include a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state.

In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively include an output mechanism to convey information to the user. In some embodiments, the output mechanism may also comprise a light to indicate to a user the condition of the device (and/or the aerosol-forming article). The condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may include whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI element may include at least one of a button, a display, a touch screen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output mechanism may include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located on the body of the device.

The device may also include a puff sensor (e.g., an airflow sensor) that forms part of the input mechanism of the UI. The suction sensor may be configured to detect the end of the aerosol-forming article (i.e., the terminal (mouth) end) that is being sucked by the user. The suction sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of the puff status. The signal may be indicative of the user aspirating (aerosol from the aerosol-forming article) such that it is, for example, in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be indicative of a characteristic of the puff (e.g., a flow rate of the puff, a length of time of the puff, etc.).

The apparatus may comprise, or may be connected to, a controller, which may be configured to control at least one function of the apparatus. The controller may comprise, for example, a microcontroller which may be mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The controller may further include a memory, such as a non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions that, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method. Where the device includes an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

The controller may be coupled to the heater and the battery (power source) and configured to control operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery when the smoking-substitute device is operating in one of a standby mode of operation in which the heater is deactivated and a standard mode of operation in which the heater is activated. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the vaporisation of an aerosol-forming portion of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control a voltage applied to the heater by the power supply. For example, the controller may be configured to switch between applying all of the output voltage (of the power supply) to the heater and not applying the voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement more complex heater control protocols.

The apparatus may also include a voltage regulator to regulate an output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. A regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator may be used to control the supply of voltage to the heater when the amount of energy stored in the battery is found to be below a predetermined threshold. For example, if the stored energy is found to be below a predetermined threshold, the voltage regulator is configured to provide zero voltage to the heater.

In some embodiments where the apparatus includes a UI, the controller may be operatively connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from an input mechanism of the UI. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to a command signal. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off command signals from the UI and, in response, may control the heater to be in respective on or off states.

The controller may be configured to send the output signal to a component of the UI. The UI may be configured to convey information to the user via the output mechanism in response to such output signals (received from the controller). For example, where the device includes one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operably connected to a controller. Accordingly, the controller may be configured to control illumination of the LEDs (e.g., in response to the output signals). For example, the controller may be configured to control illumination of the LEDs according to a (e.g., on or off) state of the heater. In another example, the controller may be configured to control illumination of the LEDs to (i) indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery using different illumination patterns, and (ii) alert the user when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold.

Where the device includes a sensor (e.g., a suction/airflow sensor), the controller may be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g. indicative of the status of the device and/or the engaged aerosol-forming article). The controller may be configured to control an aspect of the heater or the output mechanism based on a signal from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery. In addition, the controller is further configured to deactivate the heater of the device when the energy stored in the battery falls below a predetermined threshold.

The device may include a wireless interface configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g., via bluetooth (e.g., a bluetooth low energy connection) or Wi-Fi) with an external device. Similarly, the input connection may be configured as a wired connection with an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a smart car. An application (e.g., app) may be installed on an external device (e.g., a mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and an external device via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

The wireless interface or the wired interface may be configured to transfer signals between the external device and a controller of the device. In this regard, the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device. Alternatively or additionally, the external device may be responsive to a signal received from the device (e.g., from a controller of the device).

In a second aspect, there is provided a system (e.g. a smoking substitute system) comprising a device according to the first aspect and an aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute article, such as a Heated Tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a heated non-combustible (HNB) consumable).

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of flow of the vapour/aerosol, i.e. the downstream end of the article/consumable is the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol exits the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the end opposite the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at an upstream end of the article/consumable.

To generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound which is intended to be vaporised/aerosolized and which, when inhaled, may provide a recreational and/or medical effect to the user. Suitable chemically and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include: nicotine, cocaine for medical effects, caffeine, opioids and opioids for medical effects, theophylline and cathinone, kavalactone, mystin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvianolic acid (salvinorin) a and any combination and/or synthetic substitute functionally equivalent to the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plant material may comprise at least one plant material selected from the following list: amaranthus pseudonarum (Amaranthus dubus), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana (Argemone mexicana), Amica (Amica), Artemisia annua (Artemisia vulgaris), Camellia sinensis (Yellow teas), California ananatis (Galea zacatechi), Canavalia gladiata (Canavalia maritima), Baybean (Baybean), Cochloa (Cercoporia mexicana, Guamura), Cestrum nocarpum (Cestrum nocarpum), Virginia glauca (Cynoglossum virginiana, Wild comfrey), Cytisussonescula (Cytisco parius), Miyaana (Amidana), Potentilla (Entada rhdii), Califolia California (California), Horserrulata (Hovenia), Leonurus chinensis (C. chinensis), Leonurus chinensis (C. japonica), Leonurus chinensis (L. japonica ), Leonurus (L. japonica, L. officinalis (C. officinalis), Leonurus (L. japonica, L. chinensis, L. officinalis (L. chinensis), Leonurus, L. officinalis (L. officinalis), Leonurus, L. officinalis (C. officinalis, L. officinalis (C. officinalis), Leonurus, L. officinalis (C. officinalis, L. roseus), L. officinalis (L. officinalis, L. officinalis (C. officinalis), L. officinalis (C. officinalis, L. roseus, L. officinalis (L. officinalis, L. officinalis), L. officinalis (L. officinalis, L. roseus, L. officinalis), L. officinalis (L. officinalis ), L. officinalis (L. officinalis ), L. officinalis (L. officinalis, L. officinalis (L. officinalis, L. Indian-tobaco, Lobelia macrophylla (Lobelia siphyllica), Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Nepeta cataria, Catnip), Nicotiana species (Nicotiana species, Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (Nymphaea alba, White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Nymphaea caerulea, Blue Lily), Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy) for medical effects, Passiflora incana (Passionuta incana, Passionflower), Artemisia miniata (Skyo, Indian Warriflower), Salvia madurata (Pedicularia gigantea, Indian Warrier), Pedicularia gracilistylus (Pedicularia, Elephantum's', Head), Salvia officinalis (Saliva), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis) root (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis) for example, Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis) for example, Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis side, Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis) for medical side, Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis) for treating), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scutellaria baicalensis (Scutellaria baicalensis), Scute, Damiana leaf (tumeradifusa, Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), broadleaf cycas (Zamia latifolia, maconoha Brava), and any combination and/or synthetic substitute functionally equivalent to the foregoing.

The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, maryland tobacco, dark flue-cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark flue-cured tobacco, perque tobacao, and orchid tobacco (rustica tobacao). This also includes mixtures of the above tobaccos.

The tobacco may include one or more of tobacco leaves, stems, dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, cut filler, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., pulp or paper reconstituted).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a collected homogenized (e.g. paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco sheet or a collected fragment/rod formed from such a sheet.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, flavourings, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.

The flavoring agent may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavors (including, for example, citrus, cherry, etc.), vanilla, spices (e.g., ginger, cinnamon), and tobacco flavors. The flavourant may be dispersed evenly throughout the aerosol-forming substrate, or may be provided at separate locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. The diameter may be 5mm to 10mm, for example 6mm to 9mm or 6mm to 8mm, for example about 7 mm. Its axial length may be 10mm to 15mm, for example 11mm to 14mm, for example about 12mm or 13 mm.

The article/consumable may include at least one filter element. There may be a final filter element at the downstream/mouth end of the article/consumable.

The or at least one filter element (e.g. a terminal filter element) may be composed of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g., an end filter element) may be comprised of activated carbon. The at least one filter element (e.g., terminal element) may be comprised of paper. The or each filter element may be at least partially (e.g. completely) surrounded by a plug wrap (e.g. a paper-type plug wrap).

The final filter element (at the downstream end of the article/consumable) may be connected to the upstream element forming the article/consumable by surrounding a tipping layer (e.g., a tipping paper layer). The axial length of the tipping paper may be longer than the axial length of the final filter element, such that the tipping paper completely surrounds the final filter element and surrounds the wrapper of any adjacent upstream element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may comprise an aerosol-cooling element adapted to cool an aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) prior to inhalation by a user.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element defining a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be surrounded by a (paper) wrapping.

In some embodiments, the system may be in the form of an electronic cigarette system (i.e., rather than a heated tobacco system as described above). In such systems, the consumable may be in the form of an electronic cigarette consumable. The electronic cigarette system can be configured such that the consumable can be received and retained in a cavity of the device (i.e., to engage with the device). The consumable may be held by, for example, an interference fit, one screwed onto the other (or onto the other), a bayonet fit, or by a snap-engagement mechanism.

The consumable may comprise a canister which may define a reservoir for storing the aerosol precursor. The aerosol precursor may be in the form of e-liquid (stored in a reservoir).

The consumable may be a "single use" consumable. That is, after the e-liquid in the canister is depleted, the intent may be for the user to discard the entire consumable. Alternatively, the e-liquid may be the only truly "single use" portion of the system. For example, the canister may be refilled with e-liquid, or another component of the system (either internal to the device or external to the device, such as a refill cartridge) may define a reservoir for e-liquid.

As noted above, the consumable may include a heater configured to heat and vaporize e-liquid (i.e., rather than a heater forming part of the device). The consumable may include a porous wick that transports e-liquid from the canister to the heating element of the heater. The heating element may be a heating wire wrapped (e.g., helically) around at least a portion of the porous wick such that when the heating element is heated (e.g., by the action of an electric current through the heating element), heat may be transferred from the heating element to the e-liquid conveyed by the wick. This heat transfer may vaporize the e-liquid, and the resulting vapor may be entrained in the airflow through the consumable.

The consumable may further comprise one or more heater connectors for connecting the heater (of the consumable) to the device. The heater connector may be in the form of an electrically conductive element or contact (e.g. a metal plate) and may be provided on the surface of the consumable that faces the device in use. The heater connector may be electrically connected to a heater of the consumable such that electricity supplied via the heater connector may be transferred to the heater. In other words, the voltage applied across the heater connector may generally correspond to the voltage applied across the heating element of the heater.

The heater connectors may be arranged such that when the consumable is engaged with the device they contact the corresponding device connector of the device. The device connector may connect (e.g., electrically) to a power source (e.g., a battery) of the device. Thus, power may be supplied to the heating element from a power source via the contact heater and the device connector. In this way, a heater forming part of the consumable may operate as described above with respect to a heater forming part of the apparatus (and interacting with, for example, a controller).

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a system according to the second aspect, the method comprising inserting an aerosol-forming article in a device; and heating the article using the heater of the device.

In some embodiments, a method may include inserting an article into a cavity within a body of a device, and penetrating the article with a heating element of the device after inserting the article.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a smoking substitute device having a heater, a battery for powering the heater and an output device, the method comprising: receiving user input when the smoking-substitute device is operating in i) a standby mode of operation when the heater is deactivated or ii) a standard mode of operation when the heater is activated; measuring an amount of energy stored in the battery; and indicating the amount of stored energy to a user via the output mechanism.

Optionally, the indication comprises indicating the amount of energy stored in the battery via one or more illumination patterns, and providing an alert to the user when the stored energy is measured to be below a predetermined threshold.

Optionally, the method further comprises: when the stored energy is measured to be below a predetermined threshold, power to the heater is terminated.

The invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features unless such combinations are clearly impossible or explicitly avoided.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that features or parameters described in relation to any of the above aspects may be applicable to any other aspect unless mutually exclusive. Furthermore, any feature or parameter described herein may be applicable to any aspect and/or in combination with any other feature or parameter described herein, unless mutually exclusive.

Drawings

In order that the invention may be understood, and in order that other aspects and features of the invention may be understood, an embodiment illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking substitute system;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a variation of the smoking-substitute system of FIG. 1A;

figure 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking-substitute system in which a consumable is engaged with a device;

figure 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking-substitute system with the consumable detached from the device;

figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of a consumable of a first embodiment of a smoking-substitute system;

figure 2D is a detail view of an end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking-substitute system;

figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the smoking-substitute system; and

figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of a smoking-substitute system in which a consumable is engaged with a device; and

figure 3B is a front view of a second embodiment of the smoking-substitute system with the consumable detached from the device.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a device.

Detailed Description

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the figures. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram providing a general overview of a smoking-substitute system 100. The system 100 comprises an alternative smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, the consumable 102 comprising an aerosol precursor 103. The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor (so as to form a vapor/aerosol for inhalation by the user) by heating the aerosol precursor 103.

In the illustrated system, heater 104 forms a portion of consumable 102 and is configured to heat aerosol precursor 103. The heat from the heater 104 vaporizes the aerosol precursor 103 to produce a vapor. The vapor then condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user. In some embodiments, the heater 104 is configured to be deactivated if the stored energy of the battery is found to be below a predetermined threshold.

The system 100 also includes a power supply 105 forming part of the device 101. In other embodiments, power source 105 may be external to device 101 (but connectable to device 101). The power source 105 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 such that the power source 105 is capable of supplying power to the heater 104 (i.e., for the purpose of heating the aerosol precursor 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power storage device, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the power source 105 may be a battery for powering the heater 104.

The system 100 further includes an I/O module that includes a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, a micro-USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external power source, such as an electrical outlet. Connector 106 may be used in place of power supply 105. In other words, the connector 106 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 to supply power to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead include the connector 106 and an external power source (the connector 106 providing an electrical connection to the external power source).

In some embodiments, where power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery, connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge power source 105.

The system 100 also includes a User Interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include an input mechanism that receives commands from a user. The input mechanism of the UI 107 allows a user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input mechanism may, for example, be in the form of a button, touch screen, switch, microphone, or the like.

UI 107 also includes output mechanisms that convey information to the user. The output mechanism may, for example, include a light (e.g., an LED), a display screen, a speaker, a vibration generator, and the like.

The system 100 further includes a controller 108 and a memory 109 operatively coupled to the controller 108, the controller 108 being configured to control at least one function of the apparatus 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments, the controller 108 may be separate from the device 101 (but connectable to the device 101). The controller 108 is configured to measure and indicate to a user the energy stored in the battery in response to receiving user input via a User Interface (UI)107 during the standby mode and the standard mode. The controller 108 is also configured to control operation of the heater 104, for example, the controller 108 may be configured to terminate power to the heater 104 from the battery in response to detecting that the measured stored energy is less than a predetermined threshold. The controller 108 may also be configured to control the operation of the heater 104, e.g., may be configured to control the voltage applied to the heater 104 from the power supply 105. The controller 108 may be configured to switch the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state (in which the full output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 105) and an off state (in which no voltage is applied to the heater 104).

Although not shown, the system 100 also includes a voltage regulator that regulates the output voltage from the power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. A regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

In addition to being connected to heater 104, controller 108 is operatively connected to UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive input signals from the input mechanisms of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 may transmit the output signal to the UI 107. In response, the output mechanism of UI 107 may convey information to the user based on the output signal.

In addition, the system also includes an output 110 coupled to the controller 108 within the smoking-substitute device 101. The output 110 may be a haptic device, an audio output device, or any other similar output device mounted internally to the device and configured to (i) indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery, and (ii) alert the user when the measured energy level is less than a predetermined threshold. The output 110 may be configured to provide an indication/alert to the user by one of tactile or audio feedback.

Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the smoking-substitute system 100 of figure 1A. In system 100' of fig. 1B, heater 104 forms part of device 101, rather than part of consumable 102. In this variation, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to the power supply 105.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate a Heated Tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100' described with respect to fig. 1A or 1B. System 200 includes HT device 201 and HT consumable 202, said HT device 201 being configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery during the standby mode and the standard operating mode. The above description of fig. 1A and 1B applies to the system 200 of fig. 2A and 2B, and thus will not be repeated.

The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201. Fig. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, while fig. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

The device 201 includes a body 209 and a cap 210. In use, the cap 210 is engaged at the end of the body 209. Although not apparent in the drawings, the cap 210 is movable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the body 209.

The device 201 comprises an output mechanism (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 211, the plurality of LEDs 211 being arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on the outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also disposed on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211.

Fig. 2C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the consumable 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette. In this regard, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter of 7mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. The cooling element may be in heat exchange with the vapour formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 in order to cool the vapour, thereby promoting condensation of the vapour.

The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and located at the upstream end 217 of the consumable 202 and contains the aerosol precursors of the system 200. In this regard, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release vapour. The released vapor is subsequently entrained in the gas stream flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is generated by the action of a user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e., the terminal or mouth end) of the consumable 202.

In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 comprises a tobacco material, which may for example comprise any suitable part of a tobacco plant (e.g. leaf, stem, root, bark, seed and flower). The tobacco may include one or more of tobacco leaves, stems, dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, cut filler, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., pulp or paper reconstituted). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a collected homogenized (e.g. paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco sheet or a collected piece/rod formed from such a sheet.

To generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolized and that may provide a recreational and/or medical effect to the user when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g., propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin), flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and/or binders.

The final filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical and is positioned at a downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The final filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore 219 formed therethrough (e.g., for air flow). The diameter of the hole 219 is 2 mm. The final filter element 214 is formed from a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As described above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (where the end filter 214 is located) forms a mouthpiece of the consumable 202 for the user to draw. The airflow is drawn from the upstream end 217 through the components of the consumable 202 and exits the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user sucking on the downstream end 218 (i.e. the mouthpiece) of the consumable 202.

The upstream filter element 215 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the final filter element 214, axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213. Like the final filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element such that it has a bore 220 extending axially therethrough. In this manner, the upstream filter 215 may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed from a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The pores 220 of the upstream filter element 215 have a larger diameter (3mm) than the final filter element 214.

The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube that defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the final filter element 214. The spacers 216 serve to allow cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

Although not apparent from the drawings, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215 and spacer 216 are surrounded by a paper wrapper. The end filter 214 is surrounded by a tipping layer that also surrounds a portion of the paper wrapper (in order to connect the end filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the final filter 214 are surrounded by a further wrap in the form of a plug wrap.

Referring now to the device 201, fig. 2D illustrates a detailed view of an end of the device 201 configured to engage with the consumable 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 (more evident in fig. 2D) that opens into an interior cavity 222 defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and cavity 222 are formed to accommodate at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see fig. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221, and thus also from the device 201. The opening 221 includes a laterally disposed notch 226. These notches 226 remain open when the consumable 202 is received in the opening 221 and may, for example, be used to hold a lid to cover the end of the device 201.

Fig. 2E shows a cross-section through the central longitudinal plane of the device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.

The apparatus 201 includes a heater 204 that includes a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is securely mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, heater 204 is a rod-like heater in which heating element 223 has a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g., a heating element having a rectangular transverse profile) or a tubular heater (e.g., a heating element having a tubular shape).

The heating element 223 of the heater 204 protrudes from the inner base of the cavity 222 along the longitudinal axis towards the opening 221. As is apparent from the drawings, the length of the heating element (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) is less than the depth of the cavity 222. In this manner, the heating element 223 does not protrude from the opening 221 or extend beyond the opening 221.

When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as shown in fig. 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends over substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when the heating element 223 is interposed therein. Thus, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from the outer circumferential surface of the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

The device 201 also includes an electronics cavity 224. A power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (lithium ion battery) is located in the electronics cavity 224.

The device 201 includes a connector in the form of a USB port 206 (i.e., forming part of an I/O module of the device 201). Alternatively, the connector may be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port. The USB port 206 may be used to charge the rechargeable battery 205.

The apparatus 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller includes a microcontroller mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to a controller 208 (i.e., to the PCB and microcontroller). The controller 208 is configured to control a plurality of functions of the apparatus 201. For example, the controller 208 is configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery in response to receiving user input via a User Interface (UI). In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 208 may be configured to measure and indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery during the standby mode, i.e., when the heater 204 of the device 201 is deactivated. The standby mode is a mode in which the heater 204 is deactivated, but the device 201 is still on but not operating.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery during the standard mode of operation in response to receiving user input via a User Interface (UI). During the standard operating mode, the heater 204 of the device 201 is in an active state, i.e., during the standard operating state, the battery continuously provides power to the heater 204. Thus, the controller 208 is configured to measure and indicate to a user the amount of energy stored in the battery of the device 201, regardless of whether the heater 204 is in an activated or deactivated state.

The controller 208 not only indicates to the user the amount of energy remaining in the battery, but also provides an alert to the user if the stored energy of the battery is below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is an indication that the battery of device 201 needs to be immediately charged. The alarm indicates to the user to stop using the device 201 to avoid powering down the device 201.

The controller 208 is connected to a plurality of LEDs (not shown). The plurality of LEDs are configured to at least (i) indicate an amount of energy stored in the battery, and (ii) alert a user when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold. In the illustrated example, the controller 208 may be configured to control the illumination pattern of the LEDs to provide different illumination for (i) indicating the amount of energy stored in the battery, and/or (ii) alerting the user when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller 208 may be configured to illuminate one or more of the plurality of LEDs, e.g., at 25% intervals, to indicate different levels of energy stored in the battery. In another example, the controller 208 may be configured to flash one or more of the plurality of LEDs to alert a user that the stored energy is measured to be less than the predetermined threshold.

The controller 208 may also be connected to the output 110. The output 110 is also configured to indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery and alert the user when the energy level is less than a predetermined threshold as measured by one of tactile and/or audio feedback. The output 110 may be a haptic device or an audio output device. Further, the output 110 may be configured to provide different feedback for (i) indicating the amount of energy stored in the battery and (ii) providing an alert to the user when the measured energy level is less than the predetermined threshold, such that the user may be able to easily distinguish between the two.

The controller 208 is configured to control other functions of the apparatus 201. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be achieved by the controller switching the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user pressing the button 212. Pressing button 212 may cause the controller to allow voltage (from rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to heater 204 (to cause heating element 223 to heat). In another example, the controller 208 is configured to terminate power to the heater 204 from the battery in response to detecting that the measured stored energy is less than the predetermined threshold. For example, if the device 201 is in an operational mode and the controller 208 receives a user input for measuring the amount of energy stored in the battery, the controller 208 detects the amount of energy stored in the battery. In the event that the amount of energy stored in the battery is below a predetermined threshold, controller 208 terminates the supply of power from the battery to heater 204 until device 208 is sufficiently charged. To accomplish this, the controller 208 compares the measured energy level of the battery to a predetermined threshold energy level stored in memory.

The controller 208 is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to (e.g., detecting) a status of the apparatus 201 or consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., one or more LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

The device 201 also includes an input mechanism in the form of a puff sensor 225 (i.e., in addition to the button 212). The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect user puffs (i.e., inhalations) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The suction sensor 225 may be in the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone, for example. The puff sensor 225 is operably connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224 such that a signal from the puff sensor 225 indicative of the puff status (i.e., puff or not puff) forms an input to the controller 208 (and thus may be responded to by the controller 208).

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an electronic cigarette smoking substitute system 300. The system 300 is an example of the systems 100, 100' of fig. 1A and 1B, and includes an electronic cigarette device 301 and an electronic cigarette consumable 302. The above description of fig. 1A and 1B applies to the system of fig. 3A and 3B and will not be repeated.

Device 301 and consumable 302 are configured such that consumable 302 can engage with device 301. Fig. 3A shows device 301 and consumable 302 in an engaged state, while fig. 3B shows device 301 and consumable 302 in a disengaged state. During engagement, a portion of consumable 302 is received in cavity 322 of device 301. The consumable 302 is held in the device 301 via an interference fit (although in other embodiments the device and consumable may be engaged by screwing one onto the other (or onto the other), by a bayonet fit, or by a snap-engagement mechanism).

Consumable 302 includes a canister 327. The canister 327 defines a reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor, which in this embodiment is in the form of e-liquid.

In this embodiment, consumable 302 is a "single use" consumable. That is, after the e-liquid in the canister 327 is depleted, the user is intended to discard the entire consumable 302. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e., aerosol precursor) may be the only truly "single use" portion of the system. In such embodiments, the canister may be refilled with e-liquid, or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, e-liquid may be stored in a canister located in the device or in other components that are not themselves single use (e.g., a refill cartridge).

In the illustrated system 300, a heater 304 is located in the consumable 302 and is configured to heat and vaporize e-liquid (stored in a canister 327). Although not shown, the heater 304 includes a porous wick and a resistive heating element. The porous wick transports e-liquid from the canister 327 to the heating element. The heating element is a heating wire helically wound around at least a portion of the porous wick such that when the heating element is heated (e.g., by the action of an electric current through the heating element), heat is transferred from the heating element to the e-liquid conveyed by the wick. This heat transfer vaporizes the e-liquid, and the resulting vapor is entrained in the airflow through the consumable 302 (i.e., driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 318 of the consumable 302). Between the vaporization point at the coil and the downstream end 318 (i.e., the mouth end), the vapor condenses into an aerosol and is subsequently inhaled by the user.

As with the previous embodiments, the device 301 includes a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown) and a connector in the form of a USB port (not shown). The apparatus 302 also includes a controller (also not shown). The rechargeable battery, connector and controller are similar to (and operate in a similar manner to) the corresponding components of the embodiment described above with respect to fig. 1A-1E.

Consumable 302 includes a pair of heater electrical contacts 328 disposed on the device-facing end surface of consumable 302. The heater electrical contacts 328 are electrically connected to the heater 304 in the consumable 302 such that the voltage applied across the heater electrical contacts 302 generally corresponds to the voltage applied across the resistive heating element of the heater 304.

When consumable 302 is engaged with device 301, heater electrical contacts 328 make electrical contact with corresponding device electrical contacts (not shown) on device 301. The device electrical contacts are electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the rechargeable battery. The controller may thus be configured to control the voltage applied by the rechargeable battery across the device electrical contacts. By controlling the voltage applied across the device electrical contacts, the voltage applied to the heater 304 is controlled accordingly.

The device 302 includes an output mechanism (forming part of the UI of the system 300) in the form of a single light emitting diode ("LED") 311. The LED 311 is operably connected to a controller such that the controller can control the illumination of the LED 311. The controller is configured to illuminate the LED when the heater 304 is activated.

The device 301 also includes an input mechanism in the form of a suction sensor (not shown). The puff sensor is the same as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1E.

Fig. 4A illustrates a method for measuring and indicating to a user the amount of energy stored in a battery.

As shown in fig. 4, the method 400 includes one or more blocks implemented by the controller 208 of the apparatus 201. The method 400 may be described in the general context of controller-executable instructions. Generally, controller-executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 400. Moreover, individual blocks may be deleted from method 400 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method 400 may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 401, the controller 208 is configured to receive a user input measuring an amount of energy stored in the battery. However, although not specifically disclosed in block 401, the controller 208 is configured to receive user input in either a standby mode of operation (i.e., heater 204 is deactivated) or a standard mode of operation (heater 204 is activated).

At block 402, the controller 208 is configured to measure the energy stored in the battery. To accomplish this, the controller 208 is connected to the battery through one or more sensors (not shown) that indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery.

At block 403, the controller 208 is configured to indicate to the user the amount of energy stored in the battery detected at block 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to indicate to a user the amount of energy in the battery via a plurality of LEDs. In another embodiment, the controller 208 may be configured to indicate to a user via the output 110 the amount of energy stored in the battery.

The plurality of LEDs comprises four LEDs 211 for providing said illumination pattern, wherein in said illumination pattern the four LEDs are configured to indicate the amount of stored energy at intervals of 25%. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller causes one or more of the plurality of light emitters or LEDs to light up or flash when the stored energy level of the battery is indicated. In other words, the controller lights or flashes a single LED when the stored energy is measured to be 1% to 25% of the total capacity of the battery, lights or flashes two LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 26% to 50% of the total capacity of the battery, lights or flashes three LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 51% to 75% of the total capacity of the battery, and lights or flashes all four LEDs when the stored energy is measured to be 76% to 100% of the total capacity of the battery.

Although not specifically disclosed in the flow chart, the controller 208 is also configured to alert the user when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold. Further, upon detecting that the measured stored energy is less than the predetermined threshold, the method discloses the step of terminating power to heater 204 from the battery. This prevents the battery from completely draining stored energy and prevents the device 201 from completely shutting down.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanation provided herein is provided for the purpose of enhancing the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout the specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "having", "including" and "comprising" and variations such as "having", "including", "comprising" and "including" are to be understood as implying inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When a range is so expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example +/-10%.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be preferred, under the same or different circumstances. Thus, recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or the claims.

Claims (14)

1. Smoking replacement devices, including: heater; a battery for powering the heater; exporting agency; and a controller configured to operate in either i) a standby mode of operation when the heater is deactivated or ii) a standard mode of operation when the heater is activated, After receiving user input, the amount of energy stored in the battery is measured and indicated to the user via the output mechanism. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to alert the user via the output mechanism when the stored energy is measured to be less than a predetermined threshold. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the predetermined threshold represents insufficient energy stored on the battery and corresponds to a situation in which the battery requires immediate charging. 4. The apparatus of claims 2 and 3, wherein the controller is configured to terminate power to the heater when the stored energy is measured to be below the predetermined threshold. 5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the output mechanism comprises one or more of: i) one or more light emitters for providing visual indications, ii) for providing audio an audio indicator of the indication, and iii) a tactile output for providing a tactile indication to the user. 6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the output mechanism comprises a plurality of light emitters configured to indicate the amount of energy stored in the battery with one or more lighting patterns. 7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of light emitters comprises four light emitters for providing the lighting mode, wherein in the lighting mode the four light emitters is configured to indicate the amount of stored energy at 25% intervals. 8. The apparatus of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). 9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a heat not burn (HNB) device. 10. Smoking replacement systems, including: The smoking substitute device of any one of claims 1 to 9; and Aerosol-forming articles. 11. A method of operating a smoking substitute device having a heater, a battery for powering the heater, and an output mechanism, the method comprising: receiving a user input when the smoking substitute device is operating in i) a standby mode of operation when the heater is deactivated or ii) a standard mode of operation when the heater is activated; measuring the amount of energy stored in the battery; and The amount of stored energy is indicated to the user via the output mechanism. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indicating comprises indicating an amount of energy stored in the battery via one or more lighting patterns, and sending a notification to the battery when the stored energy is measured to be below a predetermined threshold. The user provides an alert. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined threshold represents insufficient energy stored on the battery and corresponds to a condition in which the battery requires immediate charging. 14. The method of one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising terminating the powering of the heater when the stored energy is measured to be below the predetermined threshold.

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